Physiology for practice: the mechanisms controlling respiration
Richardson, M.
Nursing Times 99(41): 48-50
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0954-7762 PMID: 14603659 Document Number: 559403
Breathing, or respiration, is something we do not have to think about--it just happens; indeed, if we do think about it, our breathing pattern changes. Nurses count and record patients' respirations every day with perhaps little thought as to the physiological mechanisms that maintain this vital function, or to the wealth of information available from careful assessment of a patient's breathing. Knowledge of these processes is important to be able to understand the symptoms, treatment and management of respiratory disease.